NR 228 Exam 1: Nutrition, Health & Wellness -
Chamberlain University Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale
1. Which of the following describes the concept of nutrient density in a clinical diet?
A. Foods that provide the highest amount of kilocalories per gram of weight.
B. The speed at which a specific carbohydrate increases blood glucose levels.
C. The ratio of macronutrients to micronutrients in a standardized meal plan.
D. Foods that provide significant amounts of vitamins and minerals relative to their caloric content.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nutrient density refers to the proportion of essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals
relative to the total energy provided by a food. Choosing nutrient-dense foods allows individuals to meet
their nutritional requirements without consuming excessive calories that lead to weight gain. This
principle is fundamental in managing chronic conditions and promoting overall metabolic health across
the lifespan. Energy density, by contrast, focuses strictly on the caloric value per unit of weight regardless
of nutrient quality. Nurses must educate patients on identifying nutrient-dense options like leafy greens
and lean proteins over empty-calorie processed items.
2. A patient consumes a snack containing 20 grams of carbohydrates, 10 grams of fat, and 5 grams of
protein. What is the total kilocalorie count for this snack?
A. 120 kcal
B. 190 kcal
C. 150 kcal
D. 210 kcal
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: To calculate total kilocalories, one must apply the specific physiological fuel values for each
macronutrient consumed. Carbohydrates and proteins provide 4 kcal per gram, while fats provide 9 kcal
per gram of weight. In this scenario, 20 grams of carbohydrates yield 80 kcal, 10 grams of fat yield 90
kcal, and 5 grams of protein yield 20 kcal. Summing these values results in a total of 190 kcal for the
specific snack portion. Understanding these calculations is essential for nurses monitoring the nutritional
intake of patients on restricted or therapeutic diets.
3. Which physiological condition is most likely to result in a state of negative nitrogen balance?
A. Severe physical trauma or starvation where catabolism exceeds anabolism.
B. Rapid growth and development in an adolescent athlete.
C. Recovery from a minor surgical procedure with adequate intake.
D. A healthy pregnancy during the second trimester.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Negative nitrogen balance occurs when the excretion of nitrogen exceeds the intake of
nitrogen from dietary protein sources. This state indicates that the body is breaking down its own muscle
and organ tissue to provide energy or repair materials. It is commonly observed in clinical settings
involving severe burns, high fevers, or prolonged periods of fasting and starvation. Positive nitrogen
balance, conversely, occurs during periods of growth, pregnancy, or recovery where tissues are being
built. Monitoring nitrogen balance helps clinicians assess whether a patient’s protein intake is sufficient
to support healing and metabolic needs.
4. What is the primary site of nutrient absorption in the human digestive system?
A. The stomach, where gastric juices break down complex proteins.
, B. The large intestine, where water and electrolytes are reclaimed.
C. The mouth, through the action of salivary amylase on starches.
D. The small intestine, specifically through the villi and microvilli.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The small intestine is anatomically designed for maximal absorption of nutrients due to its
extensive surface area provided by folds. Specialized structures called villi and microvilli facilitate the
transport of digested macronutrients and micronutrients into the bloodstream and lymph. While the
stomach begins protein digestion, very little nutrient absorption occurs there compared to the intestinal
tract. The large intestine primarily focuses on the reabsorption of water and the formation of solid waste
products. Proper intestinal health is critical for preventing malabsorption syndromes that can lead to
systemic nutritional deficiencies.
5. A nurse is educating a patient about ‘complete proteins.’ Which food item should be included as an
example?
A. Whole grain bread
B. Quinoa or soy products
C. Dried lentils and beans
D. Peanut butter and jelly
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids in sufficient quantities to support
human growth and maintenance. Most animal-based proteins are complete, but certain plant-based
options like quinoa and soy also meet this criteria. Incomplete proteins, such as those found in legumes
or grains, lack one or more essential amino acids and must be paired. Combining different plant proteins,
Chamberlain University Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale
1. Which of the following describes the concept of nutrient density in a clinical diet?
A. Foods that provide the highest amount of kilocalories per gram of weight.
B. The speed at which a specific carbohydrate increases blood glucose levels.
C. The ratio of macronutrients to micronutrients in a standardized meal plan.
D. Foods that provide significant amounts of vitamins and minerals relative to their caloric content.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nutrient density refers to the proportion of essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals
relative to the total energy provided by a food. Choosing nutrient-dense foods allows individuals to meet
their nutritional requirements without consuming excessive calories that lead to weight gain. This
principle is fundamental in managing chronic conditions and promoting overall metabolic health across
the lifespan. Energy density, by contrast, focuses strictly on the caloric value per unit of weight regardless
of nutrient quality. Nurses must educate patients on identifying nutrient-dense options like leafy greens
and lean proteins over empty-calorie processed items.
2. A patient consumes a snack containing 20 grams of carbohydrates, 10 grams of fat, and 5 grams of
protein. What is the total kilocalorie count for this snack?
A. 120 kcal
B. 190 kcal
C. 150 kcal
D. 210 kcal
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: To calculate total kilocalories, one must apply the specific physiological fuel values for each
macronutrient consumed. Carbohydrates and proteins provide 4 kcal per gram, while fats provide 9 kcal
per gram of weight. In this scenario, 20 grams of carbohydrates yield 80 kcal, 10 grams of fat yield 90
kcal, and 5 grams of protein yield 20 kcal. Summing these values results in a total of 190 kcal for the
specific snack portion. Understanding these calculations is essential for nurses monitoring the nutritional
intake of patients on restricted or therapeutic diets.
3. Which physiological condition is most likely to result in a state of negative nitrogen balance?
A. Severe physical trauma or starvation where catabolism exceeds anabolism.
B. Rapid growth and development in an adolescent athlete.
C. Recovery from a minor surgical procedure with adequate intake.
D. A healthy pregnancy during the second trimester.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Negative nitrogen balance occurs when the excretion of nitrogen exceeds the intake of
nitrogen from dietary protein sources. This state indicates that the body is breaking down its own muscle
and organ tissue to provide energy or repair materials. It is commonly observed in clinical settings
involving severe burns, high fevers, or prolonged periods of fasting and starvation. Positive nitrogen
balance, conversely, occurs during periods of growth, pregnancy, or recovery where tissues are being
built. Monitoring nitrogen balance helps clinicians assess whether a patient’s protein intake is sufficient
to support healing and metabolic needs.
4. What is the primary site of nutrient absorption in the human digestive system?
A. The stomach, where gastric juices break down complex proteins.
, B. The large intestine, where water and electrolytes are reclaimed.
C. The mouth, through the action of salivary amylase on starches.
D. The small intestine, specifically through the villi and microvilli.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The small intestine is anatomically designed for maximal absorption of nutrients due to its
extensive surface area provided by folds. Specialized structures called villi and microvilli facilitate the
transport of digested macronutrients and micronutrients into the bloodstream and lymph. While the
stomach begins protein digestion, very little nutrient absorption occurs there compared to the intestinal
tract. The large intestine primarily focuses on the reabsorption of water and the formation of solid waste
products. Proper intestinal health is critical for preventing malabsorption syndromes that can lead to
systemic nutritional deficiencies.
5. A nurse is educating a patient about ‘complete proteins.’ Which food item should be included as an
example?
A. Whole grain bread
B. Quinoa or soy products
C. Dried lentils and beans
D. Peanut butter and jelly
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids in sufficient quantities to support
human growth and maintenance. Most animal-based proteins are complete, but certain plant-based
options like quinoa and soy also meet this criteria. Incomplete proteins, such as those found in legumes
or grains, lack one or more essential amino acids and must be paired. Combining different plant proteins,
